Republican Party of Louisiana Chairman Roger Villere announced the appointment of former Congressman Robert L. Livingston today as Finance Chairman for the state party.

“With major statewide and legislative elections on the ballot this year it is crucial for our party to have the resources necessary to aggressively advance our conservative message,” said Villere, “and I’m delighted to add a proven fundraiser and campaign veteran like Bob to our team.

“I’m eager to begin working with Bob. I’m confident that with his help our party will maintain its dominance in statewide elected offices and extend our majorities in the State House and State Senate.”

Livingston, a fixture in Louisiana Republican circles in the 1980’s and 1990’s after having been elected in 1977 as the representative of Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District, served as House Appropriations Committee chairman from 1995-99. Livingston was in line to be the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives when Newt Gingrich resigned his position in 1999. But amid rumors of marital indiscretion the 11-term Congressman resigned his position and founded The Livingston Group, a highly-successful Beltway lobbying firm.

“These are historic times for the conservative movement in Louisiana and I thank Chairman Villere for giving me the opportunity to facilitate our party’s continued growth and success,” Livingston said. “I look forward to working with the chairman and I’m excited to assist our candidates up and down the ballot to succeed this fall.”

Villere tapped Livingston to serve as the Louisiana GOP’s Finance Chairman to fill the vacancy created by Polly Thomas’ acceptance of a new appointment.  As Assistant to the Chairman, Thomas will serve an ex-officio member of the Republican Party’s Executive Committee which overseas party management between State Central Committee Meetings.